While beginning of the Empyrean Series, and the two characters developed a strong, almost obsessive connection early on in the narrative. As it turns out, this may be the source of several readers' complaints in Yarros' latest novel, as many felt Violet and Xaden's relationship was either lackluster or had become borderline unhealthy.

Because the two characters get together so early into the five-book romantasy series' run, Yarros had to create new avenues of conflict between the two characters to naturally develop their romance arc from book to book. However, many of the roadblocks introduced throughout next Empyrean Series novel.

Onyx Storm's Violet & Xaden Complaints Were Inevitable With Their Romance Starting So Quickly

The "Enemies" Part Of Their Enemies-To-Lovers Romance Is Short-Lived

While some may disagree with the complaints about Violet and Xaden's relationship in Onyx Storm, they were practically inevitable with how the first novel set up the pacing of their romance. In Fourth Wing, Violet and Xaden begin with a classic enemies-to-lovers dynamic, although it doesn't stay that way for long. Their initial animosity towards one another, due to their family history and prejudices, quickly evolved into feelings of desire from both parties. However, this is, in large part, affected by their dragons being mated — leading the two characters to grow closer in their mutual need for survival.

Because of this, Violet and Xaden become lovers far sooner than the popularized enemies-to-lovers trope should typically progress. Their romance in Fourth Wing is phenomenal, but because they get together so early into the series, Yarros has to get creative in building conflict between the two characters in subsequent Empyrean Series novels — which doesn't always land with readers. Now three books into the series, their love for one another has already been experienced and described in explicit detail — so there was little Onyx Storm could do to add more depth to their already-established relationship.

Fourth Wing Should Have Dragged Out Its Enemies-To-Lovers Story For Much Longer

This May Have Helped The Slower Pacing Of Their Relationship In Onyx Storm

Readers have become accustomed to the enemies-to-lovers trope within the romantasy book space, but more often than not, authors don't drag out the "enemies" part of their dynamic for long enough. Progressing the "enemies" dynamic too quickly oftentimes closes the door on potential storylines that could have further developed the characters' connection — and pacing at a slower rate typically allows for some much-needed yearning or pining to take place instead. Given the complaints about Onyx Storm's romantic pacing, it could have benefited from dragging out Violet and Xaden's enemies-to-lovers plot a bit longer.

Given the complaints about Onyx Storm's romantic pacing, it could have benefited from dragging out Violet and Xaden's enemies-to-lovers plot a bit longer.

Had the two remained enemies, or even reluctant allies, for a longer period of time, the lull in their relationship dynamics may have been avoided. Not everyone disliked Violet and Xaden's romance in the latest Empyrean novel, but it's clear why some would feel their narrative to be a bit repetitive. Yarros has already described how obsessed the two are with each other, and many of the "obstacles" introduced in Onyx Storm didn't offer enough to grow their relationship. However, Onyx Storm's ending certainly sets the two characters up for a brand-new dynamic in future sequels.

The Next Empyrean Series Book Will Make Violet & Xaden Interesting Again

Onyx Storm's Sequel Will Introduce An All-New Relationship Dynamic

Rebecca Yarros' ending of Onyx Storm was jaw-dropping, and Violet and Xaden's secret marriage adds a whole new layer to their relationship in future Empyrean novels. Now that Xaden has turned asim, the next step in Fourth Wing's venin ranking, the two are likely to be separated for the majority, if not all the next book. This will add a refreshing dynamic to their relationship and bring back some of their early tensions and yearning to the narrative — and could even potentially reintroduce their enemies-to-lovers dynamic if Xaden can't recall his previous feelings for Violet.

As explained by the Irids, continuing to channel can destroy a person's soul, eventually leading them to become the evil and soulless venin that Yarros has introduced all throughout the series. It's possible this will be the next roadblock in their romance arc, as Xaden and Violet could find themselves fighting on opposite sides of a war. But, as Violet's second-signet allows her the ability to dreamwalk, it's possible she could visit and speak with Xaden in this state instead. Either way, their relationship dynamics are bound to get even more interesting in Onyx Storm's sequel.